Patient's question:
My child went to kindergarten today, and the teacher noticed a few blisters on his hand, suspecting it might be hand, foot, and mouth disease. However, when we took him to the nearby hospital that evening, the on-duty doctor couldn't confirm if it was the disease and advised us to go to the People's Hospital tomorrow to check. I came here first to understand what kind of help is needed: What department should I go to in the hospital to see a pediatrician for hand, foot, and mouth disease?Doctor's answer:
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease caused by enteroviruses, commonly affecting children, with a high incidence rate in those under three years old. It is primarily spread through the digestive tract, respiratory tract, and close contact. Clinical diagnosis mainly manifests as fever, maculopapular rashes and vesicles on the mouth and extremities, and it is highly contagious.Recommendations include adequate rest, frequent handwashing, good ventilation, a light diet, proper oral and skin care, and increased fluid intake to enhance toxin metabolism. Various antiviral medications can also be used. For follow-up visits, you may go to a local infectious disease hospital.